Natural monuments around Nether Silton, a village on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, offer diverse landscapes for exploration. The region features bleak moorland summits, tranquil lakes, and ancient woodlands. These natural features provide opportunities for hiking and experiencing the varied terrain of the North York Moors. The area is characterized by its distinct geological formations and expansive views.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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This is where I realised wearing new boots for a hike this long was a BAD idea!
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You’ll have to jump over the wall and fence from the footpath to touch the trig pillar
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Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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Would of been some view but fog was in today
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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The public footpath down to the nature reserve from the Cleveland Way (at the location on OS maps marked as "Great Relief Pot") is reasonably steep, but can be very narrow in places with short wooden planks driven into the ground along the downward side of the path, presumably to prevent the path from eroding and collapsing. In other places there are plenty of stones and tree roots to help stabilise your ascent/descent. As you approach Gormire Lake look out for a very curious and quite large boulder that is almost an 8-10 foot high perfect cube. The nature reserve consists of ancient woodland and is very peaceful. Easy to access the water's edge at Gormire Lake.
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Great views east over Near Moor and Pamperdale Moor, all the way to Whorlton Moor on the horizon.
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For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point, where you can see Roseberry Topping, the North York Moors, and the Tees Valley. Another excellent spot for expansive vistas is Black Hambleton Summit Trig Point, offering views of the Hambleton Hills and, on clear days, even Great Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales. For tranquil beauty, Gormire Lake, nestled in lush woodland, is a must-see.
The Nether Silton area, situated on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, offers a diverse range of natural features. You'll find bleak moorland summits like Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point and Black Hambleton Summit Trig Point, tranquil lakes such as Gormire Lake and Cod Beck Reservoir, and ancient woodlands like Silton Forest. The region is characterized by its distinct geological formations and expansive views.
Yes, several natural monuments in the area are suitable for families. The View from Beacon Hill Summit is noted as family-friendly, offering fantastic views. Additionally, the walks around Gormire Lake and within Silton Forest provide enjoyable and accessible options for families to explore nature together.
Gormire Lake is particularly unique because it has no rivers or streams flowing into it. It is believed to be fed by an underground spring and drained by a limestone channel. This contributes to its very clean, surprisingly warm water and lack of currents, making it a popular spot for wild swimming amidst its tranquil, lush woodland setting.
The area around Nether Silton is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, with routes like the Cleveland Way and Black Hambleton Loop. Cycling and gravel biking are also popular, with trails such as the Osmotherley South End Climb – Cod Beck Reservoir loop. For more details on routes, you can explore the hiking guide, gravel biking guide, and cycling guide for Nether Silton.
Yes, many hiking trails incorporate the natural monuments. For instance, the Cleveland Way national trail passes by Black Hambleton Summit Trig Point. You can also find routes that lead to Carlton Bank Summit Trig Point and around Gormire Lake. The Osmotherley South End Climb – Cod Beck Reservoir loop is another popular option. Check the hiking guide for Nether Silton for detailed routes.
The North York Moors offer beauty year-round, but spring and summer (April to September) are generally ideal for walking and enjoying the natural monuments, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings stunning heather and foliage colours, while winter can offer dramatic, stark landscapes, though conditions can be challenging on the exposed moorland summits.
Many trails in the North York Moors National Park are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock and ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserves like Garbutt Wood. Generally, dogs on leads are welcome on public footpaths and bridleways.
Yes, there are various parking options. For example, to access Silton Forest and nearby areas, Moor Lane Car Park is a good starting point. For other natural monuments, trailheads often have small car parks or roadside parking available. It's advisable to check specific access points for each monument when planning your visit.
Beyond the prominent summits and lakes, the region holds some quieter spots. Silton Forest, adjacent to Over Silton village, offers peaceful walks and rewarding views. The Hanging Stone (also known as Lion Stone) within Crabtree Plantation is a notable natural feature, though now somewhat obscured by growth, it's part of local walking routes. Cod Beck Reservoir also provides serene settings for walks away from the busiest spots.
Visitors frequently praise the extensive and breathtaking views from the moorland summits, such as Carlton Bank and Black Hambleton. The tranquility and unique character of Gormire Lake, especially for wild swimming, are also highly valued. The sense of peace in the ancient woodlands and the diverse landscapes for energetic walks are consistently highlighted by the komoot community.
Access to some natural monuments in the North York Moors can be challenging by public transport, as many are in rural, remote locations. While some villages near the park's edge may have bus services, reaching specific trailheads or monuments often requires a car. It's recommended to check local bus routes and schedules in advance if relying on public transport, as services can be infrequent.


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